Festive Christmas Holiday Recipes

Traditional Eggnog Recipe

Eggnog is a quintessential holiday beverage that has been enjoyed for centuries. This creamy, spiced drink is perfect for warming up on a cold winter night. Here's a detailed recipe to make your own traditional eggnog at home.

Ingredients

• 12 eggs, separated
• 6 cups milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 cups bourbon
• 1½ cups sugar
• ¾ cup brandy
• 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg

Instructions

1. Beat Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the egg yolks together with the sugar for approximately 10 minutes, until the mixture is firm and the color of butter.
2. Add Alcohol: Slowly add the bourbon and brandy to the yolk mixture, a little at a time. Once fully incorporated, refrigerate the mixture for up to 6 hours.
3. Combine Milk and Nutmeg: 30 minutes before serving, stir the milk into the chilled yolk mixture. Add 1½ teaspoons of ground nutmeg.
4. Whip Cream and Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, beat the cream on high speed until it forms stiff peaks. In another bowl, beat the egg whites until they also form stiff peaks.
5. Fold Mixtures Together: Gently fold the egg white mixture into the yolk mixture, followed by the whipped cream.
6. Serve: Ladle the eggnog into cups and garnish with the remaining ground nutmeg.

Servings

• This recipe serves 8 people.

Interesting Eggnog Facts

• Historical Roots: Eggnog dates back to the early medieval period in Britain, where it was known as "posset," a hot, milky, ale-like drink.
• Popularity: According to the American Egg Board, Americans consume over 135 million pounds of eggnog each year.
• Variations: There are numerous variations of eggnog around the world, including Puerto Rican "coquito," which includes coconut milk, and Mexican "rompope," which is flavored with vanilla and cinnamon.

More Holiday Recipes

Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread cookies are another holiday staple that brings joy to both children and adults. These spiced cookies are perfect for decorating and sharing.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¾ cup molasses
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and molasses.
3. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined. Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
4. Roll and Cut: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface to ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on a baking sheet.
5. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are firm. Let cool on a wire rack before decorating.

Servings

• This recipe makes about 24 cookies.

Conclusion

The holiday season is a time for joy, togetherness, and, of course, delicious food. These traditional recipes for eggnog and gingerbread cookies are sure to make your celebrations even more special. For more holiday recipe ideas, check out Food Network's Christmas Recipes.

Happy holidays and happy cooking!